The following season of Marvel Rivals is almost here, and it’s bringing some familiar faces to the fight. Season 3, titled The Abyss Awakens, will introduce Phoenix and Blade as playable characters starting July 11. For fans who’ve been waiting to jump back in, this update offers a fresh reason to pick up the game again.
Unlike many hero-based games that try hard to make you care about new characters, Marvel Rivals skips that step. You are already familiar with Phoenix and Blade from movies, comics, and numerous merchandise. Even if you’ve only dabbled in the game before, the chance to play as Blade, the half-vampire monster hunter with a giant sword and iconic trench coat — might pull you back in.
A newly released trailer showcases both Phoenix, a mutant with telepathic powers connected to a fiery cosmic force, and Blade facing off against a ‘Queen in Black’ version of Hela corrupted by Knull. The clip is short but sets a calm tone with EDM synths kicking in as Blade appears, emphasizing his undeniable cool factor. We haven’t yet had a look at their in-game abilities or gameplay, but the teaser hints at some intense action ahead.
While the season drops July 11, the exact release dates for each hero remain a bit unclear. The announcement keeps the momentum going for Marvel Rivals, especially since Blade’s addition has been a long time coming. There were rumors and leaks about him for a while, and it’s interesting to note that his character was missing even during a season focused on Dracula. Previously, Blade was spotted stranded in a spawn room, which left players wondering when he’d finally join the roster.
Adding characters quickly could be tricky for balance, and some players might worry about that. Still, it’s a lot more interesting than a slow drip of new content. Even if you’re the kind of player who checks in occasionally, it’s fun to see how the characters get a fresh look when adapted for Marvel Rivals. They’ve got a distinct style that sets them apart in the game’s roster.
